Photo Focus: Holiday Traditions Meet at Emancipation Garden

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Photo Focus: Holiday Traditions Meet at Emancipation Garden

Christmas morning on St. Thomas, just before dawn, brings choirs and artists to the David Monsanto Bandstand in Emancipation Garden for the annual Challenge of the Carols. This year’s event brought new energy into the area just as the caroling was ready to start.

Christmas revelers ready to celebrate the day. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

Thursday marked the 49th showcase of choirs singing hymns and V.I. holiday favorites; solo vocalists and a musical quartet delivered songs that captured the mood of the day.

Much of the audience reached the garden at the end of a Christmas tramp led by quelbay artists Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights.

Revelers make their way up Main Street Thursday morning. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

Dozens of revelers — some in pajamas and more in Santa hats — danced behind a stage mounted on a trolley, pulled by a tow truck.

“I like it, I like it; once I get started, I’m good,” said bandleader Stanley Jacobs. It was apparent that the crowd liked it too, as they broke into the Electric Slide as they entered the site.

Electric Sliders dance before dawn. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

Up on the bandstand, the organization’s president, Paul Jones, welcomed those who reached the garden on the foreday morning. “For nearly half a century, Challenge of the Carols has been heard at Virgin Islands celebrations, blending the joy of Christmas with the richness of our culture, our history, and our people,” Jones said.

Cultural Christmas question displayed on a sign and in song. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

With that, the caroling began with the group, Voices of Love, performing a tune in an echo-caroling style with half of the group facing the rest across the span of the bandstand.

Voices of Love (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

The University of the Virgin Islands Concert Choir, the Merry Caroliers, Bethel Baptist Missionary Church Choir entertained, followed by a choir from the Church of God Prophecy and the lighthearted Party Hardie Caroliers.

Performances by featured soloists and groups were interspersed between the choirs, including Lorna Freeman Woodley, Jeannette Rhymer, Daryl Lewis, Roxanne Sciliaronne, the CAHS Class of 1968 and others.

Spectators socialized in the crowd making acquaintances new and old. Settled into a sling chair, Eric Baynes said how much he enjoyed this year’s Christmas celebration. Baynes said that for him, the musical tramp leading into the garden “gives you incentive to get up early and enjoy everything.”

For Seretta Jordan from Los Angeles, the Challenge of the Carols was a first-time experience. “I’m enjoying it,” she said, “It’s the unity, the love, it’s everything.”

Organizers with Emancipation Garden Christmas Card, Inc. paid tribute to — among others — musician Louis Taylor, the lead singer of Louis Taylor and Friends, who performed at the event every year since joining the organization. Taylor died earlier this year. Taylor received a posthumous honor: the Spirit of Christmas Award.
Past and present participants who have contributed to the success of the challenge were honored Thursday morning, including music educator Howard Jones, recipient of the 2025 Governor’s Award; Lillian Moolenar for the Luther Robles Award; and the Esther Marks Award was presented to the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Rotary Interact Club.

The Honorable Choir Conductor Award went to Sara C. Watlington Connell.

Photo Focus: Christmas Holiday Fun Day at Walter IM Hodge Pavilion

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Photo Focus: Christmas Holiday Fun Day at Walter IM Hodge Pavilion
The Grinch was available for pictures, but Santa Claus was definitely more popular with the children at the Christmas Holiday Fun Day on Dec. 24, at the Walter IM Hodge Pavilion. Source photo by Shanell Spencer)

Laughter rang through the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion as music filled the air and brightly wrapped gifts passed to tiny hands during this year’s Christmas Holiday Fun Day in Frederiksted. Hosted in partnership with the One Love, One Heart: Hearts for Humanity Foundation, the event was a celebration of joy and generosity.

From left, Indera Edwards, Founder of the One Love, One Heart: Hearts for Humanity Foundation, and Jae’quan Greaux and Shevana Jones, representatives of the Virgin Islands AME Conference Youth People Department, donated gifts for the children at the Christmas Holiday Fun Day on Dec. 24. (Photo courtesy Tyanne Davis)

The foundation was established by Indera Edwards in loving memory of her son, Michael Edwards, Jr., whose life was tragically cut short by gun violence.

Held on Wednesday, Dec. 24, the event welcomed and served 150 children, many from the very community where Edwards, Jr., spent part of his childhood. For one meaningful day, the space was transformed into a reminder of what is possible when love leads—proof that even in remembrance, hope can be shared.
One of Santa’s Helpers, Simolia Jarvis, Walter IM Hodge Pavilion resident care and resiliency coordinator, smiles front and center at the Christmas Holiday Fun Day held earlier today. (Source photo by Shanell Spencer)
Farmer Brown holding the mixed jackrabbit and bunny from Farm Education for All at the Christmas Holiday Fun at the Walter IM Hodge Pavilion on Wednesday, Dec. 24. (Source photo by Shanell Spencer)

The event was made possible by the generous donations and sponsorships provided by Armstrong Ice Cream, Christa’s Art Gallery, Kia’s Snack Shack, Caterer Camisha Lynch, Keyonna Edwards, Keira Edwards, Clarence Prentice, Raymond Brady, Look Jam, DJ Pollo, Orlando Felix, Jaynecia Joseph, Julian’s Trucking, Carlos Furniture, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, A&C Code Electric, Tricia Thomas, the Rivera Family, the Thomas Family, Mikaela Mason, Joseph Schoonmaker, Leonna DeGazon, Donteh Cornell, Analisa Jensen, Belinda and Bonney George, Brian Gardine, Sherrianne Richards, Maliyah and Malisha Solis, the Salim Family, Denisia Vanterpool, Joanne Patterson, Genesis Sanes, Jeanique Roberts, the Harris Family, Jeanette Livingston, Tiffani Liddie, the Green Family, the Carrington Family, as well as the support and care of the entire Walter IM Hodge Pavilion Staff.

Windmill Bar on St. John To Host Fundraiser for Sing St. John with Quelbe Resurrection Band Dec. 27

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Windmill Bar on St. John To Host Fundraiser for Sing St. John with Quelbe Resurrection Band Dec. 27

The Windmill Bar is inviting everyone to support music programs for seniors and children while being entertained by the Quelbe Resurrection Band on Saturday, Dec. 27, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The fundraising will continue on Sunday with a cookie sale during the Windmill’s weekly bingo game from 4 to 6 p.m.

Senior Singalong members enjoy a light moment before a performance in Cruz Bay. (Photo courtesy William Stelzer)

Proceeds from the weekend’s fundraising activities will go to Sing St. John, which produces the Senior Singalong, the All-Island Children’s Choir, Ocama Youth Choir, and St. John Recovery Choir.

All of Sing St. John’s programming has been free for participants and audiences, but the non-profit has recently lost a major donor, and grants for the arts are especially scarce these days.

“Now is the time when community members need to step up their support to keep these vital programs going,” said Director Kristen Carmichael-Bowers.

Customers enjoy sunset from the Windmill Bar. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)

The Windmill Bar, located in Estate Susannaberg, overlooks the north shore of St. John and has become one of the territory’s premier spots for sunsets. Taxi service is readily available from the ferry dock in Cruz Bay.

The fundraiser at the Windmill is one of several initiatives to ensure that Sing St. John’s programs can continue in 2026. Donations of items for an auction beginning Jan. 6, 2026, are now being accepted. For further information or to donate, please visit the Sing St. John website at www.singstjohn.org.

Stabbing Suspect Rupert Walters Free in Cruz Bay Again

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Stabbing Suspect Rupert Walters Free in Cruz Bay Again

Rupert Walters, suspected of stabbing a man who had asked him to stop harassing women walking by, is free on the streets of Cruz Bay again.

Walters, also known as Big Youth, has been accused or convicted of violent crimes at least five times since 2011, including murder charges in the 2015 shooting death of a St. John man. In 2021, he partially paralyzed a man by stabbing him in the neck. The victim had told Walters, 50, to stop harassing an old man near a Cruz Bay parking garage. Walters also faced weapons charges in 2008 for allegedly carrying a revolver near a school.

Most recently, Virgin Islands Police Department officers arrested Walters for allegedly stabbing a man in the head, hand, and abdomen near the Tap & Still in Cruz Bay. He was charged with assault with the intent to commit murder, reckless endangerment, carrying a deadly weapon, and other crimes.

Court records available online did not indicate whether prosecutors asked that Walters be held without bail, but he was freed Monday. The conditions of his release were that Walters must post 15% of his $75,000 bail, and continue to reside in Estate Pastory.

Another condition was that he remain employed at the Westin. Marriott Vacations Worldwide, which is the owner and operator of the Westin St. John Resort Villas, has since reached out to the Source to say Walters “is not, and has never been employed by Marriott Vacations Worldwide or The Westin St. John Resort Villas.” There is also a Westin on St. Thomas — The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef.

Walters was also prohibited from using alcohol or other drugs and must stay at least 50 feet from his alleged victim at all times. Walters was also prohibited from carrying weapons.

Walters’ next court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23.

Social media posters, including victims of Walters’ crimes and people who said they had known the 50-year-old for decades, said Walters was an ongoing and immediate threat to the community.

Walters has a long history of violence and arrests and was well known to VIPD, according to court records.

In May 2021, a man leaving Beach Bar told police he saw Walters harassing an older man. When the victim told Walters to “chill out,” Walters attacked, stabbing the man in the neck. The two-inch puncture wound hit the victim’s spinal cord, leaving him partially paralyzed.

After a manhunt, Walters was arrested and charged with attempted murder, assault, use of a deadly weapon, mayhem, reckless endangerment, and other crimes. He pleaded not guilty at first but later accepted a deal. He was sentenced to three years in prison for third-degree assault in February 2023, with credit given for time served.

Walters was released in 2024 but failed to pay associated fines and fees. The government filed a civil suit against him.

In 2016, Walters was charged with first-degree murder in the May 2015 shooting death of Kenson Jolly, 25. Jolly had been a suspect in a machete-and-knife fight that February that left the streets of Cruz Bay covered in blood.

Police came to suspect Walters in the murder and eventually charged him after a firearm was found in his vehicle that allegedly matched the murder weapon. Police searched Walters’ vehicle after he’d been involved in an altercation with another driver. A Virgin Islands Superior Court judge ruled the arrest and the search illegal, and the firearm evidence was excluded, according to court records.

Incomplete court records online did not specify if Walters was convicted of a crime in the matter.

In 2012, Walters was charged with burglary, assault, and weapons charges that were eventually dismissed in 2014, according to court records.

In 2011, Walters was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, assault and battery, disturbance of the peace, and other crimes. He eventually pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and battery in a court or church and was sentenced to six months imprisonment, with all but 10 days suspended. Court records online don’t detail the nature of the case beyond some disturbance at Castaway Bar and Grill.

In 2008, Walters was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and marijuana. Court records were unclear on how or why the charges were resolved. That same year, Walters was charged with criminal contempt of court.

That same year, Walters faced firearms charges for allegedly carrying an unlicensed revolver within 1,000 feet of the Julius E. Sprauve School.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include comment from Marriott Vacations Worldwide, the owner and operator of the Westin St. John Resort Villas, that Rupert Walters has never been employed by the company.

Federal Charges Filed, Then Dismissed, for 3 Arrested in 2023

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Federal Charges Filed, Then Dismissed, for 3 Arrested in 2023

A federal judge granted a request by the U.S. Attorney’s Office this week to dismiss charges against three men who were arrested in 2023 and charged locally with raping a 13-year-old girl, less than two weeks after federal charges were filed.

According to documents filed in the V.I. Superior Court and the U.S. District Court, the girl told a V.I. Police Department detective in December 2022 that she was contacted by Ajani Nicholas through the popular messaging app Snapchat. Over the next few months, Nicholas, a man named Sincere Williams, and a man later identified as Nicholas’s brother, Kevin, picked the girl up from her house several times and drove her to various other locations to have sex. All were older than 18 at the time, according to court records.

A V.I. Superior Court judge signed an arrest warrant for the three men in April 2023. All three were arrested and charged with second-degree aggravated rape, second-degree unlawful sexual contact, and child abuse. Ajani Nicholas was further charged with possessing a visual medium depicting sexually explicit content because he filmed one of the encounters on his phone.

Superior Court records show that all three agreed to participate in a pretrial intervention program before the local charges were dismissed with prejudice in late 2024 and early 2025.

Earlier this month, a set of 15 federal charges, including coercion and enticement of a minor, transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity, and aggravated second-degree rape, were filed in U.S. District Court. Just before all three defendants made their initial appearance at the federal courthouse Monday on St. Croix, the government moved to dismiss the case after determining “that dismissal is in the best interest of justice,” according to a motion filed on behalf of U.S. Attorney Adam Sleeper.

Senior District Judge Wilma Lewis granted the motion for dismissal Tuesday.

Health Department Launches Portal to Report Food, Waterborne Illnesses

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Health Department Launches Portal to Report Food, Waterborne Illnesses

The V.I. Health Department has launched an online food and water safety complaint portal, making it easier for residents to report suspected foodborne or waterborne illnesses, as well as concerns related to sanitation, hygiene, and food safety practices at food service establishments.

“Ensuring safe and sanitary conditions and proper food handling practices remains a core responsibility of the Department of Health,” Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said Wednesday in a press release announcing the new endeavor.

“This online reporting portal empowers residents to promptly share concerns about food and water safety, whether they became ill or noticed unsafe practices,” she said. “Early notification supports timely investigations and helps protect public health, particularly during the busy holiday and festival season.”

The portal is accessible through the department’s website at www.doh.vi.gov, via the link titled View the US Virgin Islands Food & Waterborne Illness Portal Here!.

The portal provides a single, streamlined way for the public to report a wide range of concerns including symptoms after eating food or drinking water, unsafe food handling, poor sanitation, unclean kitchens, contaminated water, or other conditions that may pose a public health risk, the release stated. All submissions will be reviewed and investigated by the department’s Epidemiology and Environmental Health divisions, it said.

Residents are encouraged to submit a report if they: – Believe they became sick shortly after eating food or drinking water – Observe unsanitary conditions in a restaurant or food business – Observe improper food handling or food storage – Notice concerns related to drinking water or recreational water

“It is important to note that the portal is not a medical or emergency service. It is intended solely for reporting suspected food or waterborne illnesses and food or water safety concerns to the Health Department” according to the release.

Individuals who submit illness reports may be contacted by the department for follow-up to gather additional information as part of a public health investigation.

Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis and her team, alongside the Environmental Health Division, have been working throughout the year to improve the community’s ability to report incidents to the department, the release stated.

“This launch represents another important step in modernizing our public health infrastructure,” Ellis said. “By lowering barriers to reporting, we are strengthening disease surveillance and empowering residents to be active partners in keeping our community safe.”

Criminal Investigation Bureau Investigates Robbery at UVI Wellness Center

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Criminal Investigation Bureau Investigates Robbery at UVI Wellness Center

The Criminal Investigation Bureau is investigating a robbery in the first degree that was reported on Monday, Dec. 22, at about 10:03 p.m., reported the Virgin Islands Police Department.

According to the police report, while exiting the UVI Wellness Center, the victim observed two males wearing all black clothing running towards him. One of the males struck the victim with a blunt object on his head, and he heard one of the males say, “shoot him.” The assailants removed the victim’s iPhone, iPad, and jewelry.

The VIPD is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information regarding the suspects to come forward. Individuals with information can report it by calling the 911 Emergency Call Center or contacting Detective S. Donastorg of the CIB at 340-774-2211. For those wishing to provide information anonymously, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers V.I. at 1-800-222-8477.

The VIPD assures the public that all tips will be kept confidential, allowing contributors to remain anonymous if they choose.

Photo Focus: “Jingle Bells, Palm Trees Sway”

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Photo Focus: “Jingle Bells, Palm Trees Sway”
There are no sleighs or snowfall in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but there is sunshine, the warm Caribbean sea and the steady beat of steel pans. A Virgin Islands-themed rewrite of “Jingle Bells” brings the holiday season to life through lyrics and photos inspired by the VI Source team! Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
Santa waves to the crowd from his island-style chariot – a V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services truck. (Source photo by Siân Cobb)
(Source photo by Siân Cobb)
Cruising down the roads, On a sunny Christmas day, Dodging every pothole Is the St. Thomas way. Magens Bay is bright, Vendors setting out their trays, What fun it is to island hop On warm December days!
(Source photo by Mat Probasco)
Oh, jingle bells, island shells, Christmas in the sun, St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix The season’s all in fun! HEY! Jingle bells, trade winds swell, Laughing all the way, Oh, what joy the islands bring On this warm Caribbean day!
(Source photo by Jesse Daley)
Over to St. John, Ferry splashing on the sea, Cruz Bay full of lights And a decorated palm tree. Hawksnest glowing gold, Donkeys strolling slow, Island folks and travelers All share that holiday glow!
(Source photo Gail Karlsson)
Oh, jingle bells, island shells, Christmas in the sun, St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix The season’s all in fun! HEY! Jingle bells, ocean swells, Smiling all the way, Warm breeze blowing through the night On this warm Caribbean day!
(Source photo by Michele L Weichman)
Down on St. Croix we go, Boardwalk shining bright, Moko jumbies dance And rum drinks flow all night. From Frederiksted to East, Music fills the air, Nothing beats a Crucian Christmas Wish that you were there!
(Source photo by Diana Dias)
Oh, jingle bells, island shells, Hear the steel pans play, St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix Holiday the V.I. way! HEY! Jingle bells, sunset swells, Joy is here to stay, What fun it is to celebrate A Caribbean holiday!
(Source photo by Judi Shimel)

Department of Public Works Delivers Territory-Wide Infrastructure Improvements

Mat Probasco
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Department of Public Works Delivers Territory-Wide Infrastructure Improvements
As part of its continued commitment to improving roadway safety, mobility, and overall quality of life for residents and visitors, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Public Works  completed several critical infrastructure and road maintenance projects across St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas before the close of the year. On St. Croix, DPW completed temporary repairs to the Route 7025 bridge connecting Frederiksted Town to Rainbow Beach, restoring safe and reliable access along a vital corridor. The work was completed as part of the Frederiksted Roads Project, funded through the 2015 GARVEE issuance, and was prioritized ahead of the upcoming Crucian Christmas Festival season to support increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic. “Timing mattered on this project,” said DPW Commissioner Derek Gabriel. “Completing these repairs ahead of the Crucian Christmas Festival season helps ensure safer movement for residents, vendors, and visitors during one of St. Croix’s most important cultural celebrations.”
Improvements to the Route 7025 Bridge. (Submitted photo)
DPW also announced that VI Paving successfully reopened the previously closed portion of Queen Mary Highway near K-Mart West, where culvert replacement work was underway. This project represents the final location completed under the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief (FHWA-ER) program, addressing infrastructure damage caused by the 2017 hurricanes. “Reopening Queen Mary Highway marks the completion of a long and important chapter in our hurricane recovery efforts,” Gabriel said. “These improvements restore critical infrastructure while strengthening resilience for the future. More importantly, these repairs were fully funded by the Federal Highway Administration. No local funds were expended on these repairs.” On St. John, DPW completed long-awaited road maintenance on Fish Fry Drive in Cruz Bay, improving roadway conditions in one of the island’s most heavily travelled areas. The work addressed surface deterioration, resulting in smoother travel and improved drainage for residents, businesses, and visitors. “These are the kinds of improvements that people experience every day,” Gabriel added. “When roads function better, communities function better and people see meaningful progress.”
Improvements to Charlotte Amalie’s Norre Gade. (Submitted photo)
On St. Thomas, DPW concluded the Downtown Charlotte Amalie drainage and road repairs project, completing final milling and paving work on Norre Gade. Completing the project ahead of the peak tourism season was a key priority, helping to minimize disruptions while improving safety and roadway conditions in one of the Territory’s most historic and economically significant areas. “Finishing this work before the height of the tourism season was essential,” Gabriel said. “Downtown Charlotte Amalie is a hub for residents, workers, and visitors, and these improvements enhance safety, reduce flooding risks, and support economic activity during our busiest months.” Commissioner Gabriel credited DPW’s internal staff, contractors, and field crews for maintaining steady progress through the end of the year, preparing our islands for both tourism and festival seasons. “Completing projects across both districts reflects our commitment to consistent delivery and thoughtful planning,” he said. “Each improvement—whether large or small—directly supports safer travel, stronger communities, and a better quality of life for the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

VI Department of Health Launches Online Food and Water Safety Complaint Portal

Mat Probasco
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VI Department of Health Launches Online Food and Water Safety Complaint Portal
The Virgin Islands Department of Health has launched an online food and water safety complaint portal, making it easier for residents to report suspected foodborne or waterborne illnesses, as well as concerns related to sanitation, hygiene, and food safety practices at food service establishments.
Chicken on the table, and in the fighting ring, could be affected if Congress eventually enacts an agriculture bill.
The Department of Health can take foodborne illness reports online.
“Ensuring safe and sanitary conditions and proper food handling practices remains a core responsibility of the Department of Health,” said Justa Encarnacion, Health Commissioner. “This online reporting portal empowers residents to promptly share concerns about food and water safety, whether they became ill or noticed unsafe practices. Early notification supports timely investigations and helps protect public health, particularly during the busy holiday and festival season.” The portal is accessible through the department’s website at www.doh.vi.gov, via the link titled View the US Virgin Islands Food & Waterborne Illness Portal Here! The portal provides a single, streamlined way for the public to report a wide range of concerns including symptoms after eating food or drinking water, unsafe food handling, poor sanitation, unclean kitchens, contaminated water, or other conditions that may pose a public health risk. All submissions will be reviewed and investigated by the Department of Health’s Epidemiology Division and Environmental Health Division. Residents are encouraged to submit a report if they:
  • Believe they became sick shortly after eating food or drinking water
  • Observe unsanitary conditions in a restaurant or food business
  • Observe improper food handling or food storage
  • Notice concerns related to drinking water or recreational water
It is important to note that the portal is not a medical or emergency service. It is intended solely for reporting suspected food or waterborne illnesses and food or water safety concerns to the Virgin Islands Department of Health. Individuals who submit illness reports may be contacted by the Department of Health for follow-up to gather additional information as part of a public health investigation. Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis and her team, alongside the Environmental Health Division, have been working throughout the year to improve the community’s ability to report incidents to the department. “This launch represents another important step in modernizing our public health infrastructure,” Dr. Ellis said. “By lowering barriers to reporting, we are strengthening disease surveillance and empowering residents to be active partners in keeping our community safe.”
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